ROCKLAND — AIO Food & Energy Assistance announced, Sept. 27, a partnership with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and The National Diaper Bank Network to support the AIO Diaper Project and provide free diapers to families in Knox County.
 
In April of this year, AIO Food & Energy Assistance welcomed the Mid-Coast Diaper Project into AIO’s family of core services. Free diapers are distributed in the former food pantry building next door to the new AIO facility. Families are invited to pick up diapers on Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. until noon, and from 4 until 6 p.m.

AIO enrollment is required and easy to complete, according to AIO, in a news release. Members who visit the food pantry are already enrolled. New members can enroll online at www.aiofoodpantry.org/aioprograms.
 
“For this new program to be a success,” AIO Executive Director Joe Ryan says, “we will need deep community support. With our partnership with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and The National Diaper Bank Network, we are positioned to make a substantial impact by improving the health of babies and reducing the high cost of diapers many young families face.”

To support the AIO Diaper project, Ryan asks for diaper donations and financial gifts. Diaper donation drop boxes are available in Rockland at Shaw’s, Hannaford, Good Tern Coop, YMCA, and more locations are added regularly. Knox County Sheriff’s Office deputies make weekly pickups from all locations and deliver the donated diapers to AIO. Diaper donations can also be dropped off at the Sheriff’s office and AIO weekdays.
 
“We are excited to partner with AIO to provide awareness and support for such an important program,” said Sheriff Tim Carroll. “We are committed to serving Knox County with leadership, integrity, and respect. AIO demonstrates these attributes through all the programs they provide. It is a natural fit for us to come together to serve our community better.”
 
The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) is a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to eliminating diaper needs in America by leading a national movement to help meet the basic needs of all babies and their families…including access to clean, dry diapers and other material goods. Founded in 2011 with the support of Huggies®, the network raises national awareness of diaper needs and supports the development and expansion of diaper banks in communities throughout the country. Its active membership includes more than 200 diaper banks, diaper pantries, and food banks located in 49 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
 
To learn more about the AIO Diaper Project and all AIO programs, visit www.AIO4me.org, where you will find information about receiving free diapers, volunteering, or donating. Executive Director Joe Ryan can be reached at 207-596-1043 by email at joe@aiofoodpanty.org.